Did you know that even the most diligent weight-watchers can eat certain foods without any limitations? In other words, there are foods that are low in calories but packed with fiber content, which in turn keeps you full longer without any risk of gaining a few pounds.
This article presents a list of 12 such foods! Needless to say, you still need to stick to a well-balanced diet including a wide range of food items.
1. Popcorn
Plain popcorn, meaning popcorn without sugar or butter, can be eaten without limitations. It is very low in calories, as long as eaten plain. A cup of popcorn contains about 31 kcal only.
2. Celery
Did you know that celery stems are 95 percent water? This means that their diuretic properties help detoxify the body and stimulate a natural and healthy weight loss.
3. Eggplant
A portion of eggplant baked or grilled without oil contains as little as 24 kcal. Hence, you can indulge in this tasty veggie without limitations, too.
4. Algae
Algae, such as laminaria, are packed with iodine which maintains proper thyroid function. Therefore, they keep hormones within normal range and prevent you from gaining weight.
5. Oranges, Grapefruits, and Tangerines
While high fruit intake is not recommended for those who are trying to lose weight, citrus fruits are an exception. They are packed with vitamin C, fiber, and flavonoids; improve digestion, and boost your liver health, too. In addition to these benefits, citrus fruits are quite satiating as well.
6. Melon and Watermelon
A slice of either melon or watermelon provides 60-70kcal only, which means that you can eat them all day long without fear. These fruits are quite satiating and help flush out excess liquid from the body at the same time.
7. Boiled potatoes
Due to their higher carb content, many people avoid potatoes when trying to lose weight, but they shouldn’t.
Whole potatoes are loaded with vitamins, fiber and other important nutrients. They also contain a certain type of starch called.
While boiled potatoes were the most satisfying food tested, fried potato chips were found to be three times less filling.
8. Whole eggs
Eggs are another food that has been unfairly demonized in the past. The truth is, eggs are incredibly healthy and high in several important nutrients.
Most of the nutrients, including about half of an egg’s protein, are found in the yolk.
Eggs are a complete protein, meaning they contain all nine essential amino acids.
9. Fish
Fish is rich in omega 3 fatty acids and protein. It helps in keeping obese people full for longer. On the satiety index, fish ranked higher than other high-protein foods. It was found that people eating fish for one meal would eat lesser calories for the next meal.
10. Lean meats
Lean meats are protein-rich, high-satiety foods. People on high-protein diets tend to eat lesser than the rest. In a study, it was found that people who ate a high-protein meal during lunch eat 12% lesser for dinner than those who had a high-carb lunch. Beef scored the second-highest position in the list of protein-rich foods. However, chicken and pork induce weight loss.
11. Broth-based soups
Liquids are usually considered to be less filling than solid foods. However, a research shows that soups can be more filling than other solid foods. Regular consumption of soups can lower your hunger pangs greatly and promote weight loss over time. Stick to broth-based soups instead of the creamy ones.
12. Oat Bran
Oat bran is a complex carbohydrate, so it helps fill you up without spiking your blood sugar. A small bowl of oat bran flavored with low-fat milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon makes a hearty, filling snack. Plus, blueberry oat bran muffins are the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
References: kitchmenow.com, doctor.ndtv.com